Best Cookware for Induction Cooktops

Darrian Wilkins
Last update: January 27, 2021

BEST VALUE

Made In Sous Chef Kit

Made In’s best selling kit has virtually every piece of basic cookware you’ll need.

Consumer Reports Best Cookware Set of 2020
Comes with three different kinds of frying pan: clad stainless steel, carbon steel, and nonstick coated so all of your frying needs are covered, from broiled steaks to perfect fried eggs.
Oven/broiler safe up to 800F (500F for the nonstick pan)
5 ply clad stainless steel with aluminum core for durability, induction compatibility and even heat distribution
Great customer service and warranty
Made in USA, France and Italy with American steel
Includes a 10” stainless clad frying pan, 10” nonstick frying pan, 12” carbon steel frying pan, 2 qt saucepan with lid, 4 qt saucepan with lid, 3.5 qt saute pan with lid, 8 qt stockpot with lid plus a can of carbon steel seasoning wax.

BEST OVERALL

All Clad D5 7-piece Cookware set

A solid set of cookware workhorses from the top name in cookware for over 40 years.

5 ply clad stainless steel with aluminum core is not only durable but has excellent heat retention and distribution. Stainless cladding ensures induction compatibility.
All pieces are oven and broiler safe up to 600F without lids
Made in the USA
Limited lifetime warranty
Includes a 10” frying pan, 1.5 qt saucepan with lid, 3 qt saute pan with lid, and 8 qt stockpot with lid.

We are not sure if you are looking for single items or full induction cookware sets. For that reason we have created custom sets which help choose single items for different price ranges.

Best induction cookware sets to buy in 2020:

Made In Sous Chef Kit – Best value induction cookware
All Clad D5 – Best induction cookware set
ELO Skyline – Best budget induction cookware set
Made In Cookware Starter Kit- essential cookware for induction

Best Value Cookware for Induction Stove

1. Made In 10 inch Frying Pan

Frying Pan

5 layers of clad stainless and aluminum, fast and even heat retention- it’s hard to beat Made In for value unless you’re looking for a proven heirloom piece. This pan is oven safe to 800F, and is large enough for a few eggs for the whole family, or broiling 2-3 chicken breasts. You could throw this in the dishwasher, but it is easy to just wipe clean with a soft cloth and season with oil. Reviewers praised the quality for price, and a small minority were disappointed in the shipping time but ultimately loved their purchase- so be patient and you can save big!

2. Cooks Standard 10.5 inch Multi-ply Deep Saute Pan w/lid

Saute Pan

This saute pan feature 3 layers of metal instead of 5, so if you want even more even heat distribution and retention you should try the Made In Saute Pan. However, this saute pan is about half the price and is still very conductive, oven safe up to 500F and dishwasher safe. It is great value for the price, but still has enough professional features to compete with other multiclad brands. This saute pan also has a flared lip, which reviewers praised for pouring liquids without spills, which can be helpful when making pan sauces or jus. The price online is inexpensive, which customers loved, but many balked at the shipping price. Still, even when counting shipping, it was deemed higher quality than you’d expect for the price.

3. Made In Stockpot, 6qt or 8 qt

Stockpot

Made In has two sizes of stockpot available, and again features 5 ply construction, oven safe up to 800F. Downside is that you cannot use metal utensils, but it is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. 6 qt is great if you are making smaller batches of soups or stews, but for a family of 4 the 8qt will be a more flexible size. As with most Made In products, reviewers love that their products are made in the USA, France and Italy with American steel, but disappointed that their items are sometimes on backorder.

4. Made In Saucepan, 4 qt

Saucepan

We may as well just call this section the “Made In” section, but truly for most basic cookware items it is hard to beat Made In for their quality and price ratio. This saucepan is 5 ply, comes with a lid, has a flared lip and comes in under $100. Also available in 2qt size if you just need a vessel for heating up a serving or two of soup.

Full Set Alternative

Made In Sous Chef Kit

This is Made In’s bestselling kit, and by buying the entire set you save 20% more than if you bought each piece individually, which makes it a smart purchase if you want multiple items anyway. This set has a 10” nonstick frying pan, a 10” stainless clad frying pan, 12” carbon steel frying pan, 2 qt saucepan with lid, 4 qt saucepan with lid, 3.5 qt saute pan with lid, 8 qt stock pot with lid and includes a can of Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax. It was even deemed Consumer Reports Best Cookware Set of 2020! The stainless cookware is 5 ply clad stainless with aluminum core and oven/broiler safe up to 800F, and even the nonstick pan is oven safe up to an impressive 500F – perfect for baked eggs. Some reviewers wished that there had been a 12” stainless pan instead of a carbon steel, but carbon steel is great for extra high temperature cooking so it depends on your cooking needs.

Best High-End Cookware for Induction Stove

1. All Clad D5 Stainless Steel Frying Pan, 10-inch

Frying Pan

While more expensive than Made In, All-Clad has been around for 40 years and has proven time and time again that it is worth the hefty price tag - if you are looking for brand recognition and heirloom quality you can pass along for a couple of generations. While allegedly dishwasher safe, it is recommended that you handwash and season these pans assure durability, and shine with a non-abrasive polish like Barkeepers Friend. All Clad D5 pan has five layers of stainless and aluminum, ensuring great heat distribution from the aluminum core but the durability of stainless steel. Note that the warranty is a little strict, so make sure you are certain you want to invest in All-Clad.

2. All Clad Tri Ply 3 qt Stainless Steel Saute Pan

Sauté pan

If you’re going to invest in a saute pan, you may as well get one that can withstand high oven temperatures so you can braise, brown and finish your dishes to crispy, juicy perfection. This saute pan is an investment piece but is versatile enough for daily use. Like any All-Clad piece, it is made in the USA with American metals and comes with a lifetime warranty (with many loopholes). Reviewers claim they’ve had their saute pans for decades with no decrease in functionality. This version is a tri-ply, with an aluminum core. The 5 ply takes a little longer to heat up but has more heat retention than tri-ply, but this option was the most popular and well-reviewed saute pan of the two. It maintains heat from the base to rim, meaning no cold spots and even cooking. Many reviewers claim their All-Clad pieces have lasted them for decades, and many purchased this saute pan and similar items as wedding gifts due to their longevity. Some negative reviews were skeptical of the price, pointing out they could get “cheaper” pans of similar quality, which may be true but All Clad’s reputation overall as a lifetime investment seems to be well supported.

3. All Clad 4512 Stainless Steel Tri-ply Stockpot with Lid

Stockpot

The most important elements of a great stockpot are heat distribution (no cold spots in your soup) and size: you need to ideally fit an entire chicken carcass or multiple pounds of veggies. This pot is a generous 12 quarts, making it large enough for most large cooking projects like stock or chili. Again the tri-ply has an aluminum core for excellent retention, however it does take a little longer than some competitors to boil water- but it will stay hot a lot longer. It is oven and broiler safe up to 600F, so it can transfer from stove to oven and back without issues. The flat handles are easy to hold, and this pot even comes with a stainless steel lid. Dishwasher safe, but handwashing is recommended. Some negative reviews questioned the need for a clad stockpot, so it depends if you plan on doing more than just boiling water or stock. If you make a lot of sauces and soups, the even heating throughout the pot helps maintain large quantities of liquid at foodsafe temperatures.

4. All Clad D5 3 qt Saucepan

Sale 45%

Saucepan

It is really hard to beat All Clad for high end cookware with a lasting reputation, so we are rounding out this list with yet another All Clad offering. Their craftsmanship, durability and selection make them a front runner again and again, and this saucepan is no exception. 3 quarts is a perfect size for two people, or four people’s side dishes. The heat is evenly distributed due to the aluminum core, and the stainless protects the pan as well as makes it induction compatible. It has a flared lip for easy pouring, and is just an all around workhorse in the kitchen for pasta, sauces, soups and steaming veggies. Dishwasher safe, but we recommend handwashing for superior shine. As with most All Clad items, the positive reviews rave about heat, durability and longevity, while negative reviews focused on the steep price tag.

Full Set Alternative

All Clad D5 7-piece Cookware set

This is not inexpensive by any means, but this set will last a lifetime of daily cooking. However, this minimal 7 piece set will give you the dependable items you’ll need for pretty much any scenario: a 10” frying pan, 1.5 qt saucepan with lid, 3 qt saute pan with lid, and 8 qt stockpot with lid. This set is perfect for a couple or a single person, but we’d recommend upgrading to the 10 piece version if you’d like an additional, larger saucepan and a frying pan. The D5 line features the 5 layers of stainless with an aluminum core, so the heat distribution and retention are pretty impeccable. All of the pieces are oven and broiler safe up to 600F without their lids, so you can transfer from induction cooktop to oven for browning. As always, they are made in the USA, and though marked as dishwasher safe will last longer and look better with hand washing and polishing. Negative reviews are based mostly around warranty issues- All-Clad products come with a limited (and they mean LIMITED) lifetime warranty that unfortunately only focuses on manufacturing damage, not damage from falls or stains. However, 85% of reviewers gave the set 5 stars, praising the durability and quality.

Best Budget Cookware for Induction Stove

1. T-fal G10405 Frypan, 10 inch

Frying Pan

Featured above in the Minimalist category, this pan is also a steal. One of the few nonstick induction compatible options, it is also oven safe up to 350F. ThermoSpot indicator lets you know when the pan is hot and ready to cook. Dishwasher safe.

2. Cooks Standard Classic Saute Pan with Lid, 3.5 qt

Sauté pan

This saute pan is actually deep enough that you could use it in place of a smaller saucepan for heating up soups and sauces, but those deep sides are great for roasting, stirring and of course sautéing. It is oven safe up to 500F, so you can brown and roast meats by finishing them in the oven. Dishwasher safe. Reviewers loved the quality for price and the functionality of design, though many wished the metal felt heftier and wasn’t made in China.

3. Cook N Home 16 qt Stockpot with Lid

Sale 32%

Stockpot

This pot is HUGE, so it is perfect for large batches of beans, soups, stews, stock, sauce or even for use in canning. It is stainless steel with an encased aluminum disc, meaning it is induction safe but still features even heat distribution along the bottom of the pot. It is oven save up to 500F- 350F with the lid on. Dishwasher safe. Some reviews pointed out that because the aluminum is only in the bottom disc, there can be cold spots when the pot is full and takes a long time to heat through the full 12 quarts. However, the size for the price makes it a safe bet, and many reviews said they use it a few times per year for large batches of salsa or for sterilizing jars for canning.

4. Lodge Cast Iron 10.5 inch Square Grill Pan

Extra

If you’re on a budget and don’t have access to a barbecue, consider buying a classic grill pan. You can sear, grill and char same as you would on a barbecue but on your stovetop. Lodge is a reliable cast iron brand and does require a little bit of care to keep it seasoned but will be a flexible piece of cookware you’ll use often. Great for cooking bacon! Negative reviews were mostly about the rough cast iron scraping their cooktops if dragged rather than lifted, but most reviewers agree it is a classic piece of cookware built to last.

Full Set Alternative

ELO Skyline 10-piece Cookware Set

This set is CHEAP, but will do in a pinch if you have an induction range and need cookware ASAP. It only comes with a one year warranty, but is a perfect budget solution while you save for a set of clad cookware. This set has encapsulated aluminum bases for heat distribution, and is made with 18/10 stainless steel, which is surprisingly high quality for the price. As it is not a clad cookware set, the heat is mostly concentrated on the bottom so there can be occasional cool spots. The set includes 4 casserole pots and a medium saucepan, so reviewers wished there was a frying pan included instead of one of the pots. You can still cook eggs in a saucepan, but it isn’t as ergonomic. Again, this set is great for keeping you cooking until you find something better, but we would recommend purchasing a reasonably priced frying pan in addition to this set, such as the T-fal G10405 Heatmaster Nonstick Thermospot Heat Indicator Frypan.

Best Starter Cookware for Induction Stove

1. T-fal G10405 Heatmaster Nonstick Frypan, 10 inch

An induction safe nonstick frying pan

This is a classic department store brand you can find anywhere. One of the few nonstick induction compatible options, it is also oven safe up to 350F. ThermoSpot indicator lets you know when the pan is hot and ready to cook. This pan may not last a lifetime, but it will last for a few years with daily use, which is good for the price. Don’t forget, use silicone or wooden utensils to avoid scratching the nonstick coating! Dishwasher safe. A few reviews commented on the nonstick coating not being as nonstick as previous T-Fal models, and that there were a lot of issues with shipping damage when ordered online. However, an overwhelming majority of reviews positively rated the quality and durability of the nonstick, as well as the sturdy weight of the pan.

2. Calphalon Signature Stainless Steel, 12-inch

A Stainless Steel Frying Pan

Sloped sides for easily sliding eggs off the pan or for stirfrying veggies, this brushed stainless steel Calphalon frying pan has 5 layers of clad metal with an aluminum core for even heat distribution and induction compatibility. Can be used in the oven up to 500F, so you can broil, roast, and brown your meals easily. Dishwasher safe. Some reviews complained that the pan doesn’t retain its original finish and shine, noting that there were brown stains from food, and many balked at paying for a product made in China. You can find an American made pan for ten to twenty dollars more, but if that isn’t a concern for you this pan has comparable quality to more expensive brands. Positive reviews raved about the heat distribution, easy release of foods and quality construction.

3. Tramontina 80120/509DS Pot with Strainer Lid, 8quart

A multipurpose pot

No need to buy a separate strainer for large batches of pasta, this Tramontina pot has one you can attach for hands free (and burn free!) drainage. It is even oven safe up to 350F, so you can keep food warm in the oven. It has a tri-ply base, making it compatible with induction cooktops. Instructions say not to use high heat, which is fine with induction cooktops as you’d usually use low-medium settings for best results. Dishwasher safe. This is a great 2-in-1 item, but maybe worth skipping if you don’t mind purchasing a separate colander; some reviewers pointed out they need a second colander for other foods anyway, but positive reviews enjoyed the convenience (and safety) of not needing to pour boiling pasta water into a separate vessel. The value of this one depends on your needs, but if you cook pasta or drain foods from boiling water often it is handy.

4. Cuisinart 7193-20 Chef’s Classic 3 qt. Saucepan with Lid

Sale 21%

A saucepan

Cuisinart is yet again an easy to find brand, whether shopping online or in a department store. This size of saucepan is flexible enough to cook a batch of soup or stock or pasta for 2-4 people. This is a stainless steel saucepan with an aluminum base encapsulated in stainless- so it is induction compatible! The lip of this saucepan is flared, so you can pour liquids from any side without dripping. It even features a cool-grip handle that won’t burn your hands while you cook. In the reviews, there was some debate about the anecdotal decline in Cuisinart’s stainless steel offerings over the years: people who are loyal to the brand have noted the gauge of steel seems thinner and stains more readily than their older (10+ years) Cuisinart stainless cookware. Most reviews are positive and praise the lightweight pan’s quick and even heating on their induction cooktops.

Full Set Alternative

Made In Cookware’s Starter Kit

This is the ultimate minimalist cookware set, featuring a simple combination of a 10” stainless steel frying pan, a 10” blue carbon steel frying pan, a 2qt saucepan with lid, an 8 qt stockpot with lid, and even includes a can of carbon steel seasoning wax. This set truly has zero bells and whistles but includes some real workhorse items. All of the stainless steel is five-ply clad around aluminum core for durability and even heat distribution, and all items are made in USA or France. Though the two frying pans are the same size, they are a great all-purpose size for 2 people. Plus, the different materials are great for different purposes: the stainless pan is oven and broiler compatible up to 800F, and the blue carbon steel is compatible up to a whopping 1200F- perfect if you have a pizza oven or barbecue or want to broil something under high heat. Out of 2410 reviews (at the time of writing this article), only 5 reviewers gave this set less than 3 stars, and over two thousand reviews were 5 stars! The negative reviews had to do with the length of time between ordering and receiving their product, which can happen as Made In is a smaller company and can get backlogged quickly. Positive reviews rave about the quality, often comparing Made In to prestige brands like All-Clad or Viking, but for a fraction of the price.

If you have never cooked on an induction cooktop before, you may be wondering what you can safely use! This is a common conundrum, but with a little understanding of how induction works and our suggestions for cookware for any budget, you’ll be sautéing, frying, grilling and braising in no time.

How Do Induction Cooktops Work?

Induction cooktops use electrical induction (aka it channels an electrical current) to heat up cookware. Gas ranges with open flames use thermal conduction, and electrical stovetops with coils heat up the coil with electricity which then heats up the cookware. With gas flame and electric coil you can actually lose quite a bit of energy because it isn’t channeled directly to the cooking vessel- sometimes the energy loss is as high as 25%, racking up your bills and slowing down the heating time!

Induction cooktops work by an electric current that travels through a copper wire that lies beneath the ceramic plate of your cooktop. Without getting into too many scientific details about eddy currents or magnetic flux, long story short the current goes through the cookware creates heat. Because of the consistency of the current, you get less hot spots, and the heat is conducted much quicker than with flame- it takes nearly half the time to boil a pot of water! This process begins when your cookware touches the ceramic plate, so having cookware that is not warped on the bottom is essential.

WARNING: Due to the use of magnetic currents, it is recommended that users with pacemakers stand at least 2ft from the cooktop as it can actually interfere with your settings!

What Can I Use?

This technology is not compatible with all types of cookware due to the use of magnetic fields- you must have cookware that is ferromagnetic. This simply means that your cookware must be made of magnetic materials – a magnet should stick to the pan. Pans made of ceramic, copper or aluminum alone will not work on induction cooktops, but multiclad pieces that are layered with stainless steel will work. Cast iron or stainless steel will always work on induction because they are ferromagnetic- but be cautious with cast iron as unpolished cast iron may scratch the ceramic cooking surface, compromising the functionality of your cooktop.

Induction cooktops are efficient, safe and take up little space – there is no need to hesitate when buying cookware if you go forward with a bit of knowledge. We’ve assembled some collections of cookware from various brands, from low budget staples to luxury investment pieces, but all are induction compatible.